Bucs Locker Room Vibe Lures Back Sterling Shepard
March 19th, 2025
Receiver Sterling Shepard.
Joe thought wide receiver Sterling Shepard was a nice signing last year. Yeah, he may have made a few too many dumb mistakes that didn’t sit well with Joe. But it’s nice to have a competent veteran off the bench.
One reason Shepard originally signed with the Bucs is that he’s tight with Baker Mayfield, his former college quarterback at Oklahoma. But Shepard is returning for another year for more reasons than just Mayfield.
In short, Shepard said he liked the vibe of the locker room and the receivers room had a nice blend of top-shelf veterans and talented youngsters.
Besides, Shepard added, the locker room may have been better than he expected.
“Being a part of it last year, it was very encouraging to me, which is ultimately the reason I decided to come back just because of knowing the system and being in this system before,” Shepard said. “It’s not like a major change because ‘Grizz’ (offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard) is in that spot now.
“In my nine years in the NFL, I’ve been a part of a lot of groups and not one has been as close as the guys we’ve had in this locker room, especially in the wide receiver room. You’ve got veteran guys in there and then you’ve got a good balance of younger guys, as well, so we’re able to speak life into those guys and help them in any way that they need. …
“It’s a special combination. Like I said, I’m just super excited to be back as a part of this crew, and this group of guys, because I feel like we have something special coming, and we’ve just got to put it all the way together.”
Joe believes the Bucs could be special, too. The offense ought to still be good and maybe be even better than last year’s No. 3 offense because the three rookie starters now have over a dozen games under their belts.
Joe hates to put additional pressure on new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, but all he has to do is not screw things up. Shoot, if he keeps the Bucs offense humming, he too may be a head coach somewhere in January.
With the addition of Haason Reddick and surely a starter or two in the draft, Joe sees no reason why the Bucs cannot do damage in January. Or beyond.
March 19th, 2025 at 5:17 pm
Shepherd would have at least ran the play correctly instead of a rookie that had the jitters on the end around. Btw some of those penalties were down right bogus that they called on Shepherd
March 19th, 2025 at 5:41 pm
Let’s hope he’s a head coach somewhere by February, after lifting the Lombardi Trophy with the Buccaneets for the third time in franchise history!
March 19th, 2025 at 5:48 pm
Can he speak life into Trey Palmer, that would be a hell of a boost
March 19th, 2025 at 6:05 pm
It’s good to have CG14 back so he can impart some emotional stability to the room and maybe reduce the bonehead plays of Shepard, Palmer, and J-Mac. Ultimately it’s going to be about injuries. Maybe the S&C guys have found the key to reduce the foot, calf, and hammies?
March 19th, 2025 at 6:23 pm
Need luck on the injury front, if that holds…… could be a Real fun year.
March 19th, 2025 at 6:24 pm
I too would like to know why Palmer faded into obscurity. A dude THAT fast has to have a use, SOMEwhere
March 19th, 2025 at 6:40 pm
Joe … ‘Joe hates to put additional pressure on new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, but all he has to do is not screw things up.’
I LOVE your penchant for understatement Joe.
‘No pressure Grizz, just don’t screw anything up’.
March 19th, 2025 at 8:20 pm
Lord, please bless Palmer with some smarts so he can stretch the field and please remove him as the kick returning. Amen
March 19th, 2025 at 8:58 pm
First Last, hope is a bad word around here according to the Joes. So prayers it is! Yes, why isn’t Palmer busting a deep route once every game or two? I will say, that as a punt returner, he scares me. Of course in the Washington game that didn’t matter one iota. So I hope your prayers are answered First Last. Oops. Did I just say hope.
March 19th, 2025 at 11:46 pm
His false starts drove me nuts 😤 Otherwise I like the dog in him. He ain’t scared to fight for his brothers out there. Woof woof mutha funker
March 20th, 2025 at 12:36 am
Palmer hasn’t gotten bigger or stronger in 2 years.
And Baker doesn’t throw deep very much. He’s a fastball QB.
Palmer needs to start watching some Adam Humphries film and change his body.
Also, we need a new PR.
Palmer is fragile. We need a PR who can break a tackle or two!
March 20th, 2025 at 3:01 am
I am optimistic about the Bucs offense and their ability to win. BUT if something happens to Baker and he misses games I am still not sure what we have exactly with Trask. But does anybody? I am leaning towards the wheels falling off if we have to go with Trask at any point.